BaZr(BO3)2:Eu phosphor was successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of the corresponding nitrates. The luminescence properties of BaZr(BO3)2:Eu were investigated under 254 and 147nm excitation. In the emission spectrum of BaZr(BO3)2:Eu excited by 254nm, the main peak is located at about 612nm, which is due to the electric dipole transition of 5D0—7F2 of Eu3+. But in the emission spectrum excited by 147nm, the main peak is located at about 592nm, which is due to the magnetic dipole transition of 5D0—7F1 of Eu3+. Analysis of the excitation spectra indicated that Eu3+ occupying the non-centrosymmetric site Ba2+ can be excited preferentially by 254nm light, but under 147nm excitation, Eu3+ occupying centrosymmetric site Zr4+ can be excited preferentially. It shows that BaZr(BO3)2:Eu is not a suitable red phosphor for plasma display panel.